When you’re experiencing problems with your AC, it’s often due to inadequate maintenance, improper installation, or poor service. Sometimes, low refrigerant is the culprit. And when your AC is low on refrigerant, it doesn’t just leave you sweaty…it also damages your unit. Watch out for signs your AC is low on refrigerant, so you can get a professional to check it out immediately.
What is refrigerant?
Refrigerant is the working fluid contained in the copper coils of your AC unit. The lifeblood of your AC, it keeps your home cool and comfortable by absorbing heat from the environment.
Why your AC is low on refrigerant
Your AC unit starts running out of refrigerant if there’s a leak along the line or in the compressor. Depending on factors such as the age of the appliance or the size of the hole, refrigerant can take hours to leak, or leak slowly over time. It leads to low efficiency, high power consumption, and uneven cooling. It can also damage the compressor.
While refrigerant leaks are common, they aren’t always obvious. However, they still negatively impact the efficiency of your AC– and your comfort.
Signs your AC is low on refrigerant
Poor cooling performance. Refrigerant should absorb heat in the air. So when your AC is low on refrigerant, it takes longer to cool your home down. If you notice that your unit is blowing warm air or isn’t cooling as effectively as before, we recommend calling a qualified, experienced technician to take a look.
A spike in your energy bills. Running your AC on low refrigerant creates unnecessary strain on the unit. When it’s working harder to cool your home, it increases kilowatt usage and, ultimately, causes a spike in your energy bills.
If your bills skyrocketed without reasonable explanation, it doesn’t necessarily mean the refrigerant is low, but it may be time for a repair anyway.
Ice on the evaporator coil. If the refrigerant is low, the coil gets too cold. This lowers the pressure inside the coil, allowing moisture to accumulate and ice to form. If you see a buildup of ice on the evaporator coils, it’s a sign you may be low on refrigerant.
Hissing or bubbling noises coming from the air conditioner. Unlike gas, you can’t ‘use up’ refrigerant. Hissing or bubbling noises can be the sound of refrigerant escaping.
Don’t leave your comfort to chance
If you’re stuck at home on a hot summer day, a faulty air conditioner is the last thing you’d appreciate. So if your AC is low on refrigerant, we’re happy to take a look and ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently. We’ll find the refrigerant leak and seal it as quickly as possible.
We’re great at what we do, so your unit is in competent hands if you allow us to help. Our technicians are also available for routine tune-up or maintenance, and all kinds of heating and air conditioning work.
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